Microwave framed incubator

[SteveH]

I took a quick look at my nuker and discovered there is indeed insulation between the inner walls and outer shell , but vented in the upper wall to allow the heated water vapor to be drawn out by a fan . This one I'm looking at was obtained by " dumpster diving " , replacing a $2 fuse , and has been used many years since .

If you are not famialar with discharging capacitors , I would recommend finding someone who knows how . You might find an old trade in at an appliance dealer and get an electrician to remove the capacitor for you for a small fee . Just tell him you want it only for incubating eggs and do not need the capacitor or microwave generator but would like the rest of guts . You are going to have a major rewiring project . The interior light is designed to be activated by an open door switch or off the circuit board being in the " cook " mode so its going to be simpler to remove the circuit board and rewire the various components to maual switches . I did not look to see if there is a transformer changing it to DC to run the bulb or fan but suspect as much because I can see a glimpse of the light bulb and doubt that its AC . I think for my own use I would prefer to start with another larger cabinent of some sort , but can see that a micowave would make a very attractive small incubator .

Edt : You can build a discharger out of a 100 K ohm 25 W resistor with a lead and terminal attached to a non-painted area of the chassis and another lead to a probe with PVC pipe handle , but care must be taken to not be in contact with the chassis . Just using a screw driver to dump the charge or clipping the wire would turn the capacitor into an arc welder with you holding the welding rod in your hand . This is one of those " Do not try this at home ! " activities , but if you choose to ignore this warning at least do so with great care .

 

[t0m]

Chapter and verse on microwave safety is available on this excellent website: http://repairfaq.ece.drexel.edu/sam/micfaq.htm#micsaf

At some point I will have a go at this project and report back. I think the turntable could be used in situ to roll the eggs, and there are usually other useful bits and pieces to be cannibalized including a mains relay and a low voltage power supply. I probably wouldn't bother with the internal fan and light fitting myself. Apart from the safety hazard I think the main obstacle is probably inadequate thermal insulation.

Edit: ... as the original post mentioned.

 

[t0m]

Here is my plan for the microwave oven incubator and here is my attempt to build it. I have got as far as rigging up the automated egg turner and am waiting to hatch out the eggs that are still in my existing incubator before pinching the homemade solid state thermostat, light fitting, and fan.

At this point I would just iterate the point about safety made ealier by several people. Having got this far with it, I don't think this is a suitable DIY project for 99% of people, not just because dismantling the high voltage circuitry inside the microwave risks life and limb, but because rewiring the mains circuitry inside to use the turntable motor is potentially just as dangerous and more trouble than it is worth. I will put an old timer smiley here because saying that makes me sound like an old git

I admit that I am enjoying putting it together in my workshop. But for what it's worth, I think it is best to stick to low voltages when making a homemade electric device especially if there are quantities of water inside. And at the end of the day I want to be able to show my kids the little chicks hatching out without wondering if they are going to stick their fingers in and get fried.